Ultrasonographer

KEY DUTIES Perform obstetric, gynaecological, abdominal, vascular and small parts Ultrasound examinations. Report all Ultrasound examinations by clinically interpreting images and providing a written report in accordance with the scheme of work and departmental protocols. Liaise with referring clinicians to discuss the Ultrasound findings if the need arises To deputise in the absence of the Lead Sonographer to ensure the smooth running of the department. Abide by scanning protocols developed within the Ultrasound department Undertake patient referrals to specific clinics with reports where appropriate. Maintenance of a good working relationship with all other departments and staff, providing an effective and efficient Ultrasound service to all users and patients. Assist in the day-to-day running of the unit, to include administrative, clerical duties; booking of scans at appropriate times. Be competent in the use of all Ultrasound machines and their associated equipment. Perform regular QA checks on all Ultrasound equipment To perform weekly and daily checks on emergency equipment e.g. cardiac arrest box. To report all equipment malfunctions to the Lead Sonographer and if necessary undertake any further action to ensure the safe operation of a faulty unit. To maintain and recommend improved standards of technique in association with the Lead Sonographer. Maintain electronic records/ ultrasound films, updating patient electronic records as necessary. Provision of reporting of Ultrasound scans as per departmental policy on role development of Sonographers. Responsible for data collection and interpretation of information. Promote quality initiatives, ensuring the quality of patient care and compliance of quality standards. Ensure effective communication within the Ultrasound department, and throughout other departments within the Trust and other agencies CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To be responsible for adhering to Ultrasound examination protocols. Provide clinical support and advice to staff within the Trust and other agencies. Ensure clinical and professional standards are met at all times. To perform all aspects of clinical/ technical procedures within the Ultrasound department as per departmental policy, providing specialist knowledge when necessary. Responsible for audit of personal reporting activities and participation in clinical audit. Responsible for breaking bad news to obstetric patients and their relatives when a foetal death or abnormality is found, and formulating the report. Responsible for performing invasive procedures. (Transvaginal/transrectal scanning). Responsible for musculoskeletal health whilst scanning, aware of posture and scanning position to reduce the effects of known WRULD (work related upper limb disorders). Establish and maintain effective communication with various individuals and groups on complex matters overcoming and potentially stressful topics in a range of situations. Maintain a patient, courteous manner in all aspects of communication with patients and staff. To ensure delivery of a patient focussed service including care comfort and dignity of all patients To take an active role in the general cleanliness and professional image of the department To be responsible for assuring the safety of him/herself and others in accordance with Trust and departmental protocols e.g. COSHH, Radiation Protection etc ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES Responsible for accurate data entry on the Radiology Information System To ensure the accuracy of data quality in line with departmental policies and procedures (i.e. name, date of birth, address, postcode, GP and telephone number) are all current and correct TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSBILITIES Responsible for the training and clinical assessment of postgraduate students. To supervise and teach Radiology Specialist Registrars Ultrasound scanning, technique and interpretation of images. Contribute to the continuing education programme by attending courses and keeping abreast of current medical developments. Contribute to the departments CPD programme by the presenting of lectures. Provide highly specialist knowledge and support to the wards, departments and clinical staff within the field of Ultrasound. To attend other training courses relevant to the post RESEARCH & AUDIT Participate in the audit of current techniques; keep up to date with the research and development of new techniques. Ensure compliance with all Trust research governance procedures. To support the Trusts clinical governance agenda by understanding the key priorities for change and ensuring that new developments utilise the objectives within the governance agenda. GENERAL DUTIES To observe the provisions of and adhere to all Trust policies and procedures. To actively participate in the annual performance review to identify personal development needs To attend Trust Statutory and Mandatory training sessions as required and any other training courses relevant to the post. To fully comply with the relevant sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act. They must also understand and implement St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Hospitals Trust Statement of Policy on Health and Safety at Work and the Trust corporate Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. You are required to follow all applicable rules and procedures relating to Health and Safety at Work and to take all responsible precautions to avoid actions. To be aware of the confidential aspects of the post. To keep up to date with the requirements of information governance; undertake mandatory training and follow Trust policies and procedures to ensure that trust information is dealt with legally, securely, efficiently and effectively. Breaches of confidentiality will result in disciplinary action that may involve dismissal. You must maintain the confidentiality of information about service user staff and organisational business in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR) and Caldicott principles. The post holder should also be aware that, regardless of any action taken by the employing authority, breaches of confidentiality could result in civil action for damages. All staff will be treated with respect by management, colleagues, patients and visitors and equally staff will treat management, colleagues, patients and visitors with the same level of respect. Staff will be supported to challenge any discriminatory behaviour that may be based on differences in race, disability, language, culture, religion, sexuality, age, and gender or employment status. You will be expected to undertake the Trusts commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. To ensure that when creating, managing and sharing information records it is done in an appropriate way, subject to statutory requirements and agreed security and confidentiality policies, procedures and guidelines. All employees are responsible for implementing and maintaining data quality, ensuring that records are legible and attributable and that the record keeping is contemporaneous In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will actively participate in the prevention and control of infection within the capacity of their role. The Act requires the post holder to attend infection prevention and control training on induction and at regular updates and to take responsibility for the practical application of the training in the course of their work. Infection prevention and control must be included in any personal development plan and/or appraisal. To adhere to relevant Code of Practice of Professional body (if appropriate) The post holder must be flexible in the duties performed and it is expected that similar duties, not specifically listed above, will be carried out as required and may be cross site. The duties contained in this job description are not intended to be exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities of this post are likely to evolve in line with the Trusts continued organisational development. To adhere to the NHS Constitution and its principles and values. You must be aware of your Duty of Candour which means that you must be open and honest during your employment and if you see something wrong, you must raise it. You must read the NHS Constitution in full and can download this from the Trusts intranet site or the gov.uk website. Hard copies are available from the HR Department on request. The Trust is a non-smoking site. Failure to follow this rule could lead to disciplinary action.